Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) The VBPD is the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council for the Commonwealth. We are champions of meaningful community living.

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) advocates for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We are Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Council. The VBPD does not offer direct services but helps create change through its grant projects, through training current and future advocacy leaders, and in its role as a policy advisor to

the Governor, legislators and executive branch agencies. The VBPD works closely with disability advocates and constituent groups on mutual issues and priorities. People with disabilities and their family members play a critical role in identifying needs and having input in policies and programs that affect their lives. Individuals with disabilities, parents or family members of individuals with disabilities comprise 24 of the 39 members of the Board. Their experiences and perspectives guide the ongoing efforts to ensure responsive, individualized and flexible systems of services and supports in our communities.

If you or your family find the DD waiver waiting list process difficult to navigate, you are not alone. VBPD found in it...
09/02/2026

If you or your family find the DD waiver waiting list process difficult to navigate, you are not alone.

VBPD found in its recent assessment of Virginia’s disability services system that many people on the DD waiver waiting list and their families cannot easily find out their current status, priority level or next steps.

That’s why VBPD recommends that the state offers a centralized, secure, user-friendly portal where applicants can see their real-time waiting list status. It would show applicants their priority level, next steps and the contact information of their support coordinator.

Go to our assessment for more details!https://vbpd.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Assessments.pdf

08/30/2026

Today we are shining the spotlight on Kristina, an active alum of the Partners in Policymaking’s class of 2024.

Last year, Mayor Danny Avula appointed Kristina to the City of Richmond, VA Human Rights Commission. She was also recognized as the 2026 Best Practices Participant by the VA Center for Inclusive Communities and Leadership Metro Richmond.

Kristina is an ASL presenter at the Iron Village Prep Summer Camp, and she created an ASL tutorial for families in North Carolina and Maryland. She plans to learn more about workplace accessibility and accommodation for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

For more information about Partners in Policymaking, visit the link in our Instagram bio or https://vbpd.virginia.gov/training/partners-in-policymaking/.
Video description: Text reads, “Shining the Spotlight. Partners in Policymaking. Kristina. Class of 2024.” On the left, a photo of Kristina. A box of text appears on the right with information about Kristina as seen in the caption. Calming melodic music plays.

It’s Resource Friday! Today we’re highlighting SibStrong, a “By siblings, For siblings” organization for siblings of peo...
08/28/2026

It’s Resource Friday! Today we’re highlighting SibStrong, a “By siblings, For siblings” organization for siblings of people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SibStrong provides communities, both in-person and digitally, where siblings can connect, get support, share experiences, and access information.

https://www.sibstrong.org/about/

As part of VBPD’s recent assessment of supports for family caregivers in Virginia, we found that siblings of Virginians ...
08/27/2026

As part of VBPD’s recent assessment of supports for family caregivers in Virginia, we found that siblings of Virginians with disabilities are often unsung champions for disability rights and advocacy. As parents age, siblings often assume greater responsibilities as advocates, decision makers and caregivers.

That’s why VBPD recommends that the state develops training programs to help siblings more smoothly transition into these roles with confidence and ease. Go to the full assessment for more details!

https://vbpd.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Assessments.pdf

New opportunity alert! Apply by September 11.The IFSP Community is recruiting new members to their 2027 State and Region...
08/24/2026

New opportunity alert! Apply by September 11.

The IFSP Community is recruiting new members to their 2027 State and Regional Councils. This is a meaningful opportunity for people with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community partners to help strengthen supports across Virginia while building advocacy and leadership skills.

Download the application at our Instagram bio or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSP-Council-2027?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5QUZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVJtUjUzM2FBdndzSzM3VFBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEemVo6ut7kRBbCPYwwekY74bcRloJMOIR_4ujb15pg9cIgpXY3_ULjJKVTr8U_aem_pMEPFmAKeWPqmEOg4eaI1A

08/23/2026

Today we are shining the spotlight on Carly, an active alum of the Youth Leadership Academy’s class of 2021. She is a mentor for The The Arc of Virginia and a self-advocate advisor for the National Fragile X Foundation, where she delivered the keynote address at the 2024 International Fragile X Conference.

Carly is the Social Media Engagement Chair for Delta Alpha Pi - Kappa Epsilon at Longwood University, an academic honor society that supports students with disabilities. She will graduate this winter with a Bachelor of Arts in communications.

Her interests include music, traveling, working out and spending time with her family and friends. For more information about the Youth Leadership Academy, visit the link in our Instagram bio or https://vbpd.virginia.gov/training/youth-leadership-academy/.
Video description: Text reads, “Shining the Spotlight. Youth Leadership Academy. Carly. Class of 2021.” On the left, a photo of Carly. A box of text appears on the right with information about Carly as seen in the caption. Calming melodic music plays.

It’s Resource Friday – Back-to-School Edition!Did you know that planning for life after high school starts on the very f...
08/21/2026

It’s Resource Friday – Back-to-School Edition!

Did you know that planning for life after high school starts on the very first day of preschool? As an early educator or family member, you play a crucial role in setting students with disabilities on a path to success. But do you know the steps to help them start strong and finish well?

In this free, self-paced course offered by Center on Transition, you’ll learn practical strategies and evidence-based practices to support early transition planning.

Learn more at the link in our Instagram bio or visit https://centerontransition.org/courses/earlytransitionplanning/

Disability should never be a barrier to air travel. Unfortunately, it is still one of the least accessible forms of tran...
08/20/2026

Disability should never be a barrier to air travel. Unfortunately, it is still one of the least accessible forms of transportation.

Know your rights before you fly and review this helpful tool that summarizes the existing law that protects people with disabilities and their right to accessible air travel: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights

Happy National Accessible Air Travel Day!

A new law in Virginia will permanently protect access to DD waivers for families across the Commonwealth who receive Soc...
08/19/2026

A new law in Virginia will permanently protect access to DD waivers for families across the Commonwealth who receive Social Security Disability Insurance.

Learn more about this law originally introduced by Delegate Irene Shin.

Address

5620 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA
23060

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18047860016

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